Research progress on nonalcoholic fatty pancreatic disease pathogenesis

Nonalcoholic fatty pancreatic disease (NAFPD) is characterized by increased fat accumulation in the pancreas. It is a component of metabolic syndromes and often coexists with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. A definitive NAFPD diagnosis is closely associated with acute and chronic pancreatitis, type 2 diabetes, pancreatic fibrosis, and pancreatic cancer. Recent research indicates that NAFPD is also closely associated with cardiovascular disease, liver fibrosis, and liver cancer. The prevalence of NAFPD ranges from 11% to 69% and increases with age. Notably, the prevalence of NAFPD among obese children is two-fold greater than among nonobese children, and the high prevalence and complexity of the disease have garnered much attention. Meanwhile, joint efforts and collaborations from multiple disciplines, including hepatopathy, gastroenterology, endocrinology and metabolism, cardiovascular disease, imaging, and pathology, are required to enhance our understanding of NAFPD and fully comprehend its clinical significance. These efforts will also allow further explorations on its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. Herein, we conducted a literature review on the pathogenesis of NAFPD, and the author's perspectives on key future prospects in NAFPD research are also proposed.